BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — As Thanksgiving approaches, the Kern County and Bakersfield fire departments are urging residents to follow safety guidelines when using turkey fryers.
The Bakersfield Fire Department and the Kern County Fire Department did a live safety demonstration illustrating the serious fire hazard of dipping a cold or frozen turkey into hot oil. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
Key steps include fully defrosting and drying the turkey, marking the correct oil line with water, and heating the oil slowly while monitoring the temperature.
Public Information Officer, Alexander Clark from the Bakersfield Fire Department advises keeping fryers away from children, animals, and overhead obstructions. “Make sure that it’s away from kids, animals, and everything that’s overhead,” he said.
Andrew Freeborn from the Kern County Fire Department recommends covering skin to prevent burns from oil splashes.
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In case of a fire, Clark warns against pouring water directly into the pot and suggests using a fire extinguisher instead.
The Bakersfield Fire Department and the Kern County Fire Department did a live safety demonstration illustrating the serious fire hazard of dipping a cold or frozen turkey into hot oil. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
The American Red Cross highlights Thanksgiving and the day before as peak times for cooking fires, with cooking causing an average of 158,400 home fires annually. They advise staying in the kitchen while cooking and keeping flammable items away from heat sources.
In addition to kitchen safety, the Better Business Bureau’s President and CEO, Steve McFarland, cautions online shoppers to be vigilant during Black Friday.
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McFarland, who was previously scammed with gift cards, warns that scammers may tamper with cards by taking pictures and using the funds before the purchaser can. “Scammers will take these cards, they take pictures of them, put them back on the rack and then when you buy them and fund them, they will use the money before you can,” he said.
He advises consumers to research websites, compare prices, read reviews, and check refund, return, and warranty terms before making purchases. “Research, research, research. You have a duty to investigate before you buy,” McFarland emphasized.
Victims of scams can file complaints on the Better Business Bureau website and use their Scam Tracker to stay informed about local scams.